Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae)

Overview

Butterflyfishes (family Chaetodontidae) are brightly coloured marine fishes recognised by their deep, laterally compressed bodies, small mouths and bold colour patterns. They occur mainly in tropical and warm-temperate seas throughout the world, where most species inhabit coral reefs, rocky reefs and coastal lagoons. Many species have a dark vertical band passing through the eye and a conspicuous eyespot near the tail, features thought to confuse predators.

Butterflyfishes are among the most conspicuous reef fishes, swimming with graceful manoeuvrability among corals and reef crevices. Most species occur singly or in pairs, with many forming long-term monogamous pair bonds that defend feeding territories. Some species also form schools, particularly juveniles and species living in deeper reefs.

Butterflyfishes feed on coral polyps, small crustaceans, worms and other marine invertebrates. Some species are highly specialised coral feeders, whereas others have broader diets that include algae and plankton. Their small protrusible mouths allow them to pick prey from narrow crevices between coral branches.

The family Chaetodontidae contains about 12 genera with approximately 130 recognised species worldwide. Around 45 species have been recorded from Malaysian waters.